THE OPEN AIR HOME.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 89, 21 May 1914, Page 6

THE OPEN AIR HOME.

' . The New Brighton branch < of ! '•■ the Fresh Air Homes "for Children Society was held in the Council Chambers last night. Ir C. H. A. T. Opie presided over a good attendance. ■"■' V. u Mr Danvers Hamber read the appeal made by the May or. of Christchurch for funds. ."' ..... '.- .. ,/. ■ -'.V 1 '.!.".,- . ■ It' was decided that subscription lists should be opened forthwith. •' The following' Canvassing Committee was set up: —Mrs C. H» Winny,. Mrs G. W. Stanilaiad, Mrs E. Blakej Mrs O 'ponhell, "Mrs Eastwood, ' Miss Musgrave, Mrs Baker, *Mrs D. Hamber, : Miss';Gilmour, and Mrs'Hootl." ~ On the suggestion of Mr Hamber, streets were set apart for each of the ladies, either "to work in groups Dr singly. " •"

Mr W. Graham offered the rise of their hall, on behalf of the Presbyterian Hall' Trustees, for the purpose of holding entertainments in aid of the fmul. The offer was accepted . with: thanks. On the motion of Mr Hamber, seconded by Dr Stevens, the following Entertainment Committee was set "up: — Messrs C." Israelson, J. Ashley, 1 A. P. Hopkins, G. W. Bishop, E. Eastwood, P. Winter, and E. Tillyshort. , The committee arranged, to meet again on' Thursday, June 4. ; The Hyman Marks. Trustees have promise'd'to.donate. £lO-10/-\to the Children's Open' Air Home Fund. Sir,—ln THE SUN last night'there appeared an appeal from his Worship the, Mayor, on behalf of the Open-air Home for Children. Will you allow me space' to r support that appeal? '' Through-the generosity of the public much ; , has ... done in Christchurch to provide facilities for detecting and treating ' consumption, but no active measures have yet been taken to try and prevent the disease. Consumption will never be eradicated If we confine our efforts to treatment, ..but it certainly can be eradicated if we aim primarily at prevention. -"• Our preventive . measures should aim specially-[at dealing, with the child, because childhood is the most susceptible period of life, and because it is in childhood that nearly all cases of the disease are contracted. Day by day I see delicate children who have been brought into intimate contact with consumptives, and I know that unless'their resisting power to the disease can be raised to a high pitch,-they : will almost inevitably develop the disease later on in life. Fresh air, good food, and medical supervision are essential if these children are to - have a "Chance. In only too many cases the parents are unable to give what: is needed, and unless., outside help is forthcoming, niany of these children will die prematurely or live on, never knowing what true health is. I feel sure that if the true, state of affairs is understood, Mr H'oljand's appeal will not go unheeded.—l am, etc.. G. J. BLACKMORE, ' Medical Director. Consumption Sanatorium, May 21, 1914;..